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Les Violons du Roy has announced the end of Jonathan Cohen’s tenure as Music Director, marking the close of a decade-long chapter defined by artistic growth, international acclaim, and innovation. Cohen, who wrapped up his leadership role at the end of the 2024–25 season, will continue his collaboration with the Quebec City-based chamber orchestra by conducting three programs in the 2025–26 season.
A decade of artistic excellence
Since his first appearance with the ensemble in 2014, Cohen has shaped Les Violons du Roy with bold vision and musical curiosity. Over ten years, he led 119 concerts across 51 different programs, spearheaded four international tours—including stops in Spain, France, Germany, Slovenia, the U.S., China, and South Korea—and oversaw three new recordings, including acclaimed volumes of Mozart’s piano concertos with pianist Charles Richard-Hamelin.
Expanding horizons
A hallmark of Cohen’s leadership has been the expansion of the ensemble’s repertoire. He introduced audiences to new works by composers the orchestra had not previously performed, including Benjamin Britten, Philip Glass, Alfred Schnittke, and Grażyna Bacewicz. This broadened scope allowed the orchestra and its choir, La Chapelle de Québec, to push artistic boundaries and engage new audiences.
Equally committed to the next generation of musicians, Cohen developed initiatives such as the Emergence program, the Concerto Competition, and the Domaine Forget de Charlevoix internship. Commented dress rehearsals and creative series like Vivaldi, Mozart & Co. reflected his commitment to making classical music more accessible and inclusive.
A legacy of collaboration
Cohen also championed collaborations with international artists including sopranos Carolyn Sampson and Robin Johannsen, countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo, mandolinist Avi Avital, and cellist Nicolas Altstaedt. At the same time, he deepened partnerships with Quebec luminaries such as Marc-André Hamelin, Marie-Nicole Lemieux, Karina Gauvin, and Vincent Lauzer.
Even during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced cancellations and delayed tours, Cohen helped Les Violons du Roy maintain its artistic vitality and return to the stage with renewed energy.
Looking ahead
“Beyond the numbers and the awards, it is his communicative passion, his artistic rigour and his human generosity that have marked all those who have had the chance to work alongside him,” said Mario Welsh, Chairman of the Board of Les Violons du Roy. “Jonathan leaves a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire the ensemble and its musicians for years to come.”
Cohen continues to serve as Artistic Director of the Arcangelo Ensemble, which he founded in 2010, as well as the Tetbury Music Festival and Boston’s Handel and Haydn Society.
Les Violons du Roy is expected to announce plans for Cohen’s succession in the coming weeks, ensuring a smooth transition while building on the artistic excellence established under his leadership.
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Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that Jonathan Cohen introduced audiences to works by composers such as C.P.E. Bach, J.C. Bach, Haydn, and Vivaldi, which had not previously been performed by Les Violons du Roy. In fact, the orchestra had performed and recorded music by these composers under founding conductor Bernard Labadie. We regret the error.